Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lome (Fides Service)- In Togo where presidential elections were held yesterday the situation is very tense. “The Opposition has accused the government of fraud” Fides was told by local Church sources which ask to remain anonymous for security reasons. “It was clear to everyone, including international observers that there were manoeuvres to affect the vote. We have heard from reliable sources that ballot boxes were removed by the army and replaced” the sources told Fides. “The people is intimately convinced that the opposition has won: after 38 years of power in the hands of the party of the late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma the country wants a change” the sources told Fides.
Yesterday in Lome 3 people were killed and 20 injured in clashes between protestors and the police. “We are very concerned for the future of our country. Our young people have lost all hope of finding work in Togo and many are emigrating. Desperation can generate violence and throw the nation in chaos” the sources said.
The candidates were Faure Eyadéma son of the late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma standing for the RPT (Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais, party in power) and Emmanuel Akitani Bob, representing various Opposition groups.
On the eve of the vote the Coalition Togo which includes also Franciscans International, with other international humanitarian organisations, denounced the armed forces for arbitrary arrests and intimidation. For some time Coalition Togo has expressed concern for systematic and persistent violation of human rights on the part of the government of Togo and armed groups close to the party in power.
“Since President Gnassingbé Eyadéma died on 5 February 2005, there have been carious episodes which demonstrate persisting policy of intimidation of the population, arbitrary arrest of opposition members and denial of freedom of meeting, association and expression” Coalition Togo said in a statement.
“Persistent and systematic violation of human rights in Togo, and the fact that the government lets this go unpunished, prevent the people from taking a free and fearless part in the vote. What is needed is a firm stance from the international community, including the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African countries and the United Nations” the statement concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/4/2005 righe 35 parole 410)
